NHL STREET Hockey Launches at Sawyer Point Celebrating Ohio’s only NHL Team, Tapping into Grassroots Program’s Focus on Accessibility and Character Development
Skate Downtown Cincy is launching NHL STREET Hockey this Spring at Sawyer Point’s Riverfront Skating Rink in partnership with Cincinnati Parks. This newest addition to SDC’s suite of no-and-low cost programs brings the National Hockey League’s official street hockey initiative to the region, providing a fun, accessible, and low-cost gateway for youth to learn the sport.
The NHL STREET program is designed to create pathways and remove barriers, offering families a low-cost, low-commitment opportunity to participate in the game of hockey. The SDC Spring League embodies these principles by focusing on small co-ed ball/floor hockey teams, teaching fundamentals, and promoting core values. Participants will learn the basics of hockey in a safe, low-pressure environment, developing valuable life skills such as:
Building Friendships
Cooperation and listening skills
Focus and self-discipline
Coordination and fine motor skills
Teamwork, respect, and responsibility
New Director to Lead Hockey Initiatives
Skate Downtown Cincy is also pleased to announce the appointment of Jim Colville as its new Hockey Director. Colville, a Canadian-born former NCAA hockey player and longtime hockey coach, brings decades of experience developing players at every level. He was a four-season player and team captain at The Ohio State University, where he ranks among the program's career points leaders for defensemen. Following his playing career, he coached hockey at levels ranging from 5-6 year-olds through junior hockey (ages 16-20).
Colville expressed enthusiasm about the program’s potential to shape young lives:
“Hockey can play a major role in shaping character and personal growth. The sport creates and promotes discipline, accountability, and the importance of hard work. Hockey teaches how to handle pressure, respond to adversity, and stay mentally tough when things don't go the way that you desire. Being part of a team teaches you to communicate better, support others, and put collective success ahead of individual recognition. The commitment required instills a strong work ethic that carries into other areas of life. Overall, hockey makes a person more resilient, responsible and respectful, and prepares that person for life outside of sports.”
Spring street hockey programs will focus on giving youth grades 1-6 foundational hockey skills, with plans to launch teen street hockey and adult pickups this summer.
Continuing a Legacy of Community Recreation
The launch of NHL STREET builds on the success of SDC’s other youth programs over the past four years, including Sunset Skate at Sawyer Point, OTR Kid Skate, Learn to Skate as part of Cincy Parks + Rec for Wellness, and WakeNSkate. The organization’s continued mission is to expand access to community recreation through affordable, inclusive programs that contribute to a healthy, safe, and vibrant downtown Cincinnati.
Program Details:
What: NHL STREET Youth Hockey
Where: Sawyer Point's Riverfront Skating Rink (907 Riverside Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45202)
When: Every Tuesday from 4-6 pm, Spring League: April 7 - May 5; Summer League July 21 - August 18
Cost: $40.00 per child
